Reviews
Classic bike (AT)
£27 per day
This route follows the Burgundy Canal through countryside shaped by centuries of history. From Dijon to Tonnerre you will pass through the Ouche Valley, visit the Abbey of La Bussière, climb to Châteauneuf, pass the underground vault at Pouilly, and see places such as Alésia, the Abbey of Fontenay and Ancy le Franc. These are only some of the highlights on a journey filled with small villages and classic Burgundian scenery.
Make your way to your hotel in Dijon and settle in. You are free to explore the city or relax. Your roadbook, maps and local information will be waiting for you so you can prepare for the days ahead. Overnight in Dijon.
Example hotel: Hotel des Ducs ***
Leave the city by Lake Kir and join the Burgundy Canal. This first stretch leads into the wildest part of the canal as you ride through the Ouche Valley. Along the way you will pass the Castle of Barbirey and the Abbey of La Bussière. The day finishes with a steady climb to Châteauneuf en Auxois where you stay at the foot of its impressive medieval castle.
Begin with a gentle descent back to the canal, with wide views across the valley. Continue through classic Burgundian countryside in the heart of the Auxois. Today features several remarkable sites including the underground vault at Pouilly where the canal disappears beneath the hillside, the Castle of Eguilly and the Collégiale Saint Thibault. You finish in the medieval town of Semur en Auxois.
Example hotel: Hostellerie d’Auxois***
Rejoin the canal and follow the towpath from lock to lock. Visit the Great Forge of Buffon, an eighteenth century industrial masterpiece, then continue to Fontenay Abbey, the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Montbard.
Take a loop ride into the hills around Montbard. The route leads to Flavigny sur Ozerain, a beautiful hilltop village known across France for its aniseed sweets. You will also pass Alésia where Vercingétorix was defeated by Caesar in 52 BC.
Example hotel: Hotel de l’Ecu***
Continue towards Ancy le Franc with the option to revisit the Forge of Buffon or pause at small countryside treasures along the way. Expect windmills, washhouses, quiet villages and the steady flow of the canal. Visit Ancy le Franc and its château on arrival. Overnight in Ancy le Franc.
Follow the towpath beside the Burgundy Canal through the Valley of Quincy and the Armançon. You can make a short diversion to the striking Renaissance Château of Tanlay before continuing towards Tonnerre. Once in town, visit the famous Fosse Dionne which has been transformed into a remarkable circular washhouse. Overnight in Tonnerre.
Example accommodation: Fosse Dionne Guest House
Take the train back to Dijon if you wish. Train tickets can be arranged as an option.
We recommend flying to Paris or Lyon and returning from Paris or Lyon.
Burgundy, France
£27 per day
£39 per day
Included with bike hire
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
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